Month: February 2020

Sonic drill derived its name from the driving mechanism behind the drill bit. It is normal for the sonic drill head to come with two sets of oscillators. Besides the fact that they are essentially out of tune, they also function as counterweights. This means to say that they work against one another.

The moment that you have tuned them in a particular fashion you want them in, you are generating resonance. It would start from your tool string and down to your bit. This will drive the drill in a downward direction.

Choosing an Applicable Sonic Drill Method to Use

Choosing what method of drilling technique to use is synonymous with weighing the applicable method of penetration to have to get the groundbreaking, how the cuttings will be removed, and how the boring will be stabilized against various geological site constraints, even the overall goals of the project.

With respect to this, it is safe to say that the sonic method of drilling is most taken advantage of in instances when the process of drilling itself poses a certain level of difficulty and challenge, and yet the core sample integrity is of utmost importance. Hence, necessary measures should be taken to preserve it.

Method vs Platform

Making a distinction between the rig platform and the drilling method is of prime importance. Don’t allow yourself to get confused between these two because they are not the same. Even if we consider a rig as a direct push or auger, this is not an indication that they will remain bound to that method alone.

For instance, there are rig systems that can accommodate several methods of drilling the earth.

One of the major advantages of sonic technology in drilling is that it can be used on a wide range of rig platforms. Aside from this, it also supports a handful of tool types.

Penetration Method

Resonance and rotation

Method of Removing Cuttings

Core samples are recovered or displaced outside the confines of a borehole. They can be slipped into Lexan liners for safekeeping and storage. You can also keep them as a sample specimen, most especially if they have a longer than usual shelf life.

Method of Stabilizing Boring

Case and core – The core barrel will be run into the ground. After which it will have to override the casing on top of the core barrel before retraction. The use of water is sometimes necessary, especially if you are working at higher depths. Although it is much more preferable to do it dry because that will give you a chance to determine where the groundwater is.

The continuous core is part and parcel of the sonic method of drilling. It can provide you with a detailed yet substantial look of the ground soil at drilled depths. This will help you understand the subsurface conditions.

Sample Delivery System

After retrieving the core sample from the subsurface, a polyethylene bag or sleeve will be installed over the core barrel. The sample, on the other hand, is extruded out by way of drill pipe resonating. The core samples are usually kept inside 3-foot bags, so they can be managed easily.